Patrons & Ambassadors

Patron – Sir Gustav Nossal AC, CBE, FAA, FRS

Sir Gustav studied medicine at the University of Sydney and after residency, completed his PhD at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne. Aside from two years as Assistant Professor of Genetics at Stanford University in the USA, one year at the Pasteur Institute in Paris and one year as a special consultant to the World Health Organisation, Sir Gustav’s entire career has been at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne, where he is renowned worldwide for his work in medical research.

He was knighted in 1977, made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1989 and appointed Australian of the Year in 2000. Sir Gustav has received awards from 11 countries and Brainwave is proud to have him as our Patron.

Patron – Michael Klim OAM

Michael Klim is one of Australia’s greatest swimmers, rising to prominence in 1997 when he set a world record at the Australian Championships for the 100m Butterfly – a record Michael held for 6 years. That same year Michael was voted World Swimmer of the Year.

As one of the most successful and popular Australian swimmers since then, Michael made a triumphant return to competition in the 2003 World Meet in Melbourne. He qualified fastest in the 50m freestyle and finished second in the final.

Prior to heading to the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, Michael became a national patron of Brainwave. He is also founder of the highly successful skincare company Milk & Co. Michael is dedicated to promoting the Brainwave Australia brand nationally and continues to be a generous and committed supporter of the cause.

Patron – George Gregan AM

Qantas Wallaby captain George Gregan has played more Super 12 and Rugby Test matches than any other player in Australia. Now in his tenth season of international rugby, captaining the Wallabies to the Rugby World Cup final was a high point in his brilliant career.

In 2001 George won the International Players’ Association Player of the Year award and was a finalist in the IRB’s Player of the Year. In the same season, George was named the Australian Super 12 and Wallaby Player of the Year.

Outside of rugby George runs a successful coffee shop chain in Sydney with his wife Erica. Personal circumstances led George to join Brainwave as a national patron.

Patron – Shawn Cosgrove

‘Come on Down!!!’ is the inimitable voice of Shawn Cosgrove from television game show ‘The Price is Right’. An accomplished performer, Shawn has worked on Melbourne radio for 24 years and is the current host of 3MP’s Breakfast Show. Shawn won the Australian Radio Award in 1997 for the Best Comedy segment with a ‘Gotcha Call’ segment that many may still recall.

His voiceover style is distinctive and has been the backdrop to numerous radio and television commercials nationally for clients including Ford, Fosters, Sorbent, Antz Pantz and many others. Shawn is passionate about his family and his football team and has been a long-time supporter of Brainwave, donating his services as an auctioneer and actively initiating fund raising activities.

As a Patron of Brainwave Australia, Shawn has a strong commitment to helping Brainwave achieve its work at a national level.

Ambassador – Lindy Klim

Lindy’s background encompasses a successful modelling career working for luxury global brands such as Gucci and Chanel, as well as working on advertising campaigns with some of Australia’s most recognised brands such as Nike, Puma and Country Road.

Born into the Balinese Royal Family, Lindy has always had a natural elegance and charm about her. In 2006 she married one of Australia’s favourite swimmers, Michael Klim, which soon saw them become favourites on the Australia’s A-list fashion circuit. Together they have three beautiful children: Stella, Rocco and Frankie.

Lindy effortlessly manages her role as full-time mum with a hectic career in the media spotlight. She is the face and brains behind her successful skincare range, Milk & Co Baby, which is a range extension to husband Michael’s Milk & Co skincare range – a highly visual and respected brand, available nationally.

Ambassador – Jason Hodges

Jason is the well-known larrikin resident gardener on Channel Seven’s lifestyle program Better Homes & Gardens. He combines his media commitments, which included appearing on Auction Squad for five years and regular appearances on Sydney Weekender, Sunrise and on Radio 2UE, with running his successful landscaping business – Green Art Gardens. Jason and his team won the Gold Medal at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in both 2009 and 2012.

Jason has hosted a number of Brainwave’s Gala Dinners in both Sydney and Melbourne and connected easily with the guests due to his relaxed and easy-going manner.

Ambassador – Tiffany Wasnig – Brainwave Junior Ambassador

Tiffany was born a healthy baby girl to proud and loving parents Chris and Julie, however six months on she was diagnosed with the life-threatening disease Hydrocephalus – more commonly known as ‘water on the brain’. For the next five years Tiffany underwent several operations, including the installation of a shunt to help release excess fluid from her brain and ease her debilitating symptoms.

Today, many years later, Tiffany is a normal, happy and bubbly teenager. She is highly engaged, embracing all that life has to offer. Apart from regular visits to the Royal Children’s Hospital for checks ups and scans, Tiffany is a fun-loving go-getter who doesn’t allow her early health issues to slow her down.

Tiffany has accomplished many things in her life from sporting activities to academic challenges. Her achievements include being appointed Class Captain, representing her school in swimming, (being House Captain of the winning House), cricket, cross country and debating. Tiffany was one of the lucky few whose application to a Victorian Government competition to take a group of school children to Gallipoli in 2015 was successful. She will be part of the official delegation attending the centenary celebrations and reporting on her experiences via social media. Clearly another amazing achievement and an experience she will never forget.

Tiffany has been Brainwave’s Junior Ambassador since 2009. She is an inspirational and gregarious young woman who has spoken at several Brainwave functions, including the Gala Dinners, camps and Luna Park Christmas Party. She has also represented Brainwave at other community events, including Rotary Meetings and School assembly. Tiffany is an active ambassador and one we’re proud to call our own.